La Gomera, the second smallest of the Canary Islands, is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which enchant nature lovers and inspire extraordinary tours: Barren mountains, dense forest areas, overgrown coastal strips – a (hiking) trip to Gomera is an incomparable experience.
La isla magica: a hike through the fairytale forest
Spring never ends on La Gomera: while we are waiting for the first plus degrees in Europe, the almost circular island in the Atlantic Ocean beckons with 22 degrees and dreamlike landscapes. La Gomera has several vegetation and climate zones that characterize its appearance and invite you to take varied and exciting tours through the different “island worlds”.
In the north of the island there is a unique laurel forest, which is protected by the Garajonay National Park. In the center of the national park is an evergreen cloud forest that looks like a fairytale forest with its tall ferns, bearded lichen hanging from the weathered trees and small waterfalls.
Delicacies from the sunny slopes
In the mountains, it can sometimes be cool and rainy, especially in comparison to the coastal regions with their mild climate. The highest mountain in La Gomera is the Garajonai at almost 1,500 meters. The Valle Gran Rey, an impressively beautiful valley located on the west coast of La Gomera, offers outdoor moments of a special kind.
Over centuries of hard work, the inhabitants of the valley have created fertile terraces, which today are home to lush vegetation. Vines, oranges, mangos and avocados grow on the slopes – a particular specialty is the famous miel de palma, palm honey, which is extracted at night from the sap of the date palms.
Sun, beach and more
La Gomera also offers sun worshippers and bathing beauties the all-round perfect vacation pleasure and attracts visitors with beautiful black sand beaches and lagoons.
In the crystal-clear water, bizarre reefs and pristine underwater worlds inspire diving and snorkeling – and other water sports fans will also get their money’s worth on the island. If you want to relax away from other tourists, you will find peace and quiet on the pebble beach of La Rajita below the village of La Dama.
Los Organos – a unique natural phenomenon
A special highlight are “Los Organos”, the organ pipes: unique rock formations that protrude up to 80 meters high from the sea as if carved by human hands – an overwhelming testimony to the volcanic origin of the island. The basalt tubes were formed when the core of a volcanic vent cooled down. The best way to visit “Los Organos” is from the sea and see this magnificent natural phenomenon for yourself.
Quick facts about La Gomera
- Country: Spain
- Official language: Spanish
- Archipelago: Canary Islands
- Waters: Atlantic Ocean
- Population: approx. 21,000
- Capital: San Sebastián de La Gomera
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time zone: CET -1, UTC 0
- Telephone area code: +34
Also worth reading: The right equipment for hiking – These things are a must on a hike
Note: This article was originally published in January 2011 and revised in October 2017.
